Fusogenic compounds for delivery of biologically active molecules

ABSTRACT

Fusogenic compounds, and compositions and methods of use thereof. The fusogenic compounds can be used for making nanoparticle compositions for use in biopharmaceuticals and therapeutics. More particularly, compounds, compositions and methods are to provide nanoparticles to incorporate or encapsulate active agents, to deliver and distribute the active agents to cells, tissues, organs, and subjects.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Therapeutic agents such as drug compounds, nucleic acid molecules andother active agents operate by uptake into cells, tissues, and organs ofa subject. Transfection of agents and molecules into cells is often alimiting step in therapeutic action.

When the active agent molecules are sensitive to attack or degradationin serum or other biological settings, it becomes necessary to protectthe molecules in order to achieve their medicinal effect.

For example, one way to carry out transfection of nucleic acids is toincorporate or encapsulate the active molecules in a nanoparticle. Adrawback of such methodology can be low rates of cell penetration.

There is a long-standing need for molecules having fusogenic propertiesto provide nanoparticles that have favorable transfection properties toincrease rates of cell penetration and deliver active agents to cells.

What is needed are compositions and compounds for forming nanoparticlesfor active agents. There is a continuing need for molecules andcompositions for efficient transfection and distribution of nucleic acidmolecules and other agents to cells and subjects.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This invention relates to the fields of biopharmaceuticals andtherapeutics. More particularly, this invention relates to compounds,compositions and methods containing fusogenic molecules for providingnanoparticles to deliver and distribute active agents or drug compoundsto cells, tissues, organs, and subjects. This invention relates tomolecules and compositions thereof for use in biopharmaceuticals andtherapeutics. More particularly, this invention relates to compounds,compositions and methods for providing nanoparticles to deliver anddistribute active agents or drug compounds to cells, tissues, organs,and subjects.

This invention provides a range of fusogenic compounds. The fusogeniccompounds of this invention can be used to form nanoparticles to deliverand distribute active agents.

Examples of active agents of this disclosure include biologically activemolecules, nucleic acids, DNA, RNA, mRNA, siRNA, and microRNA, amongother forms.

Embodiments of this invention include the following:

A fusogenic compound having Formula I

wherein each amphiphile independently comprises one to two lipophilicchains, wherein the lipophilic chains each independently comprise 8 to22 carbon atoms;

wherein each AA is independently an amino acid comprising a side chainhaving an amino group, wherein the amino acid is attached to anamphiphile at each of its amino groups and is attached to the linker atits C terminus;

wherein linker has the structure

wherein Q¹ is branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, branched orunbranched C(2-8)alkenediyl, branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkynediyl, or

wherein Q² is

wherein Q³ is

wherein X is —O—, —S—, or —NH—;

-   n, p, q and t are independently for each occurrence 1 to 3;-   m is independently 1 to 10;-   r and s are independently for each occurrence 1 to 5.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein AA is selected from the followingstructures, and any stereoisomer thereof:

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or two of the amphiphiles areabsent and replaced by an alkyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptableorganic chemical group having 1-400 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen,nitrogen, sulfur, fluorine, and hydrogen.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptableorganic chemical group is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, acetyl, Boc, Fmoc,TFA, or CBZ, preferably alkyl, acetyl, more preferably acetyl.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein the compound is selected from thefollowing:

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula II

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)NH(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)OR⁴,CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)NHR⁴

R²═CH₂(CH₂)_(m)O(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)NH(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)OR⁵,CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)NH R⁵

wherein n and m are each independently from 1 to 2; and R⁴ and R⁵ areindependently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl group, or a C(12-20)alkenyl group; wherein R³ is selected from branched or unbranchedC(1-8)alkandiyl, substituted or unsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl,substituted or unsubstituted C(2-8)alkyndiyl, substituted orunsubstituted C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedarylene, substituted or unsubstituted C(4-8)heteroarylene, andsubstituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkandiyl, and combinationsthereof; wherein R³ is optionally interrupted by one or more of —O—,—S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —NH—, —NR⁶—, —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—, wherein R⁶ isC(1-6)alkyl-, C(1-6)alkoxy-, or C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.

R³ is preferably branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted orunsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(2-8)alkyndiyl, C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(4-8)arylene, and even more preferably branched or unbranchedC(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted or unsubstituted C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl.

As used herein, the term “and combinations thereof” in reference toformulas indicates further variations in structure based on combiningthe listed groups. For example, the combination of C(1-8)alkandiyl andC(4-8)heteroarylene refers to C(1-8)alkandiyl-C(4-8)heteroarylene, aswell as C(1-8)alkandiyl-C(4-8)heteroarylene-C(1-8)alkandiyl.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein R³ is selected from branched orunbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl,

-   substituted or unsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl,-   substituted or unsubstituted C(2-8)alkyndiyl-   substituted or unsubstituted C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl-   substituted or unsubstituted C(4-8)heteroarylene

preferably branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted orunsubstituted C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula III

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)NH(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)OR⁴,CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)NHR⁴

R²═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)NH(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)OR⁵,CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)NHR⁵

wherein n and m are each independently from 1 to 2; and R⁴ and R⁵ areindependently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl group, or a C(12-20)alkenyl group;

-   wherein R³ is selected from-   -alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkyl-O(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkyl-NH(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkyl-(C═O)-alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkyl-O(C═O)-alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA-   -alkyl-NH(C═O)-alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA-   -alkenyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkenyl-O(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkenyl-NH(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkenyl-(C═O)-alkenyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkenyl-O(C═O)-alkenyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA-   -alkenyl-NH(C═O)-alkenyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA-   -alkynyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkynyl-O(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkynyl-NH(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkynyl-(C═O)-alkynyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;-   -alkynyl-O(C═O)-alkynyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA-   -alkynyl-NH(C═O)-alkynyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA

wherein any alkyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(1-6)alkyl, anyalkenyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(2-6)alkenyl, and any alkynylof R³ is branched or unbranched C(2-6)alkynyl;

and positional isomers thereof;

wherein

-   each R⁶ is independently selected from H, alkyl, alkoxy, and    alkoxyalkoxy, with the proviso that one R⁶ is —(C═O)— or    —alkyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA;-   each R⁸ is independently selected from H, alkyl, with the proviso    that one R⁸ is —(C═O)— or —alkyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA;-   q is from zero to four;-   Q is O or N.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein alkyl of R⁶ and R⁸ are eachindependently branched or unbranched C(1-6)alkyl, alkoxy of R⁶ isC(1-6)alkoxy, and alkoxyalkoxy of R⁶ is C(1-6)alkoxyC(1-6)alkoxy.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently foreach occurrence a C(14-18) alkyl group, or a C(14-18) alkenyl group,preferably a C(14-18) alkenyl group having 2 to 4 double bonds.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein the compound is selected from thefollowing:

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula III

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)NH(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)OR⁴,CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)NH R⁴

R²═CH₂(CH₂)_(m)O(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)NH(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)OR⁵,CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)NHR⁵

wherein

-   n and m are each independently from 1 to 2;-   R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl    group, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;-   R³ is a C(1-12) alkyl group or a C(4-12) alkenyl group that is    substituted with a —(C═O)— or —alkyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently foreach occurrence a C(14-18) alkyl group, or a C(14-18) alkenyl group,preferably a C(14-18) alkenyl group having 2 to 4 double bonds.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula IV

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═(C═O)OR⁴, (C═O)NHR⁴, O(C═O)R⁴, (C═O)R⁴

R²═(C═O)OR⁵, (C═O)NHR⁵, O(C═O) R⁵, NH(C═O)R⁵

wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkylgroup, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;

-   Z is O or NH; p is 0 to 5;    wherein R³ is selected from abranched or unbranched    C(1-8)alkandiyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA, substituted or    unsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA,    substituted or unsubstituted C(2-8)alkyndiyl-(C═O)— which is    attached to AA, substituted or unsubstituted    C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA, substituted or    unsubstituted arylene-(C═O)— which is attached to AA, substituted or    unsubstituted C(4-8)heteroarylene-(C═O)— which is attached to AA,    and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkandiyl-(C═O)— which    is attached to AA; wherein R³ is optionally interrupted by one or    more of —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —NH—, —NR⁶—, —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—,    wherein R⁶ is C(1-6)alkyl-, C(1-6)alkoxy-, or    C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.

R³ is preferably branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted orunsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(2-8)alkyndiyl, C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(4-8)arylene, and even more preferably branched or unbranchedC(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted or unsubstituted C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula IV

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═(C═O)OR⁴, (C═O)NHR⁴, O(C═O)R⁴, (C═O)R⁴

R²═(C═O)OR⁵, (C═O)NHR⁵, O(C═O) R⁵, NH(C═O)R⁵

wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkylgroup, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;

-   Z is O or NH; p is 0 to 5;-   wherein R³ is selected from-   C(1-12) alkyl group or C(2-12) alkenyl group that is substituted    with a —(C═O)— which is attached to AA

and positional isomers thereof;

wherein

-   each R⁶ is independently selected from H, alkyl, alkoxy, and    alkoxyalkoxy, with the proviso that one R⁶ is —(C═O)— or    —alkyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA;-   each R⁸ is independently selected from H, alkyl, with the proviso    that one R⁸ is —(C═O)— or —alkyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA;-   q is from zero to four;-   Q is O or N.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently foreach occurrence a C(14-18) alkyl group, or a C(14-18) alkenyl group,preferably a C(14-18) alkenyl group having 2 to 4 double bonds.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein the compound is compound T10:

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula IV

wherein R¹ and R² are

-   R¹ is a C(12-20) alkyl group, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;-   R² is (CH₂)_(n)XR⁴, wherein n is 0 to 3, X is O, S, SO, SO₂, NH;-   wherein R⁴ is a C(12-20) alkyl group, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;-   wherein Z is O or NH;-   wherein p is 1;-   wherein R³ is selected from-   C(1-12) alkyl group or C(2-12) alkenyl group that is substituted    with a —(C═O)— which is attached to AA.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula V

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═(C═O)OR⁴, (C═O)NHR⁴, O(C═O)R⁴, NH(C═O)R⁴

R²═(C═O)OR⁵, (C═O)NHR⁵, O(C═O) R⁵, NH(C═O)R⁵

wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkylgroup, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;

-   wherein R³ is selected from branched or unbranched    —O(C═O)—C(1-8)alkandiyl-(C═O)—-   which is attached to AA, substituted or unsubstituted    —O(C═O)—C(2-8)alkendiyl-(C═O)—-   which is attached to AA, substituted or unsubstituted    —O(C═O)—C(2-8)alkyndiyl-(C═O)—-   which is attached to AA, substituted or unsubstituted    —O(C═O)—C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA,    substituted or unsubstituted —O(C═O)-arylene-(C═O)—-   which is attached to AA, substituted or unsubstituted    —O(C═O)—C(4-8)heteroarylene-(C═O)— which is attached to AA, and    substituted or unsubstituted —O(C═O)-heterocycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—    which is attached to AA; wherein R³ is optionally interrupted by one    or more of —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —NH—, —NR⁶—, —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—,    wherein R⁶ is C(1-6)alkyl-, C(1-6)alkoxy-, or    C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.

R³ is preferably branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted orunsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(2-8)alkyndiyl, C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(4-8)arylene, and even more preferably branched or unbranchedC(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted or unsubstituted C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently foreach occurrence a C(14-18) alkyl group, or a C(14-18) alkenyl group,preferably a C(14-18) alkenyl group having 2 to 4 double bonds.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein the compound is compound T12:

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula V

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═(C═O)OR⁴, (C═O)NHR⁴, O(C═O)R⁴, NH(C═O)R⁴

R²═(C═O)OR⁵, (C═O)NHR⁵, O(C═O) R⁵, NH(C═O)R⁵

wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkylgroup, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;wherein R³ is selected from

-   -   —(C═O)— or —alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   —O(C═O)— or —alkyl-O(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   —O(C═O)-alkandiyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA    -   —O(C═O)-alkendiyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA    -   —O(C═O)-alkyndiyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA    -   —NH(C═O)— or —alkyl-NH(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkyl-(C═O)-alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkyl-O(C═O)-alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA    -   -alkyl-NH(C═O)-alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkenyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkenyl-O(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkenyl-NH(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkenyl-(C═O)-alkendiyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkenyl-O(C═O)-alkendiyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA    -   -alkenyl-NH(C═O)-alkendiyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA    -   -alkynyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkynyl-O(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkynyl-NH(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkynyl-(C═O)-alkyndiyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkynyl-O(C═O)-alkyndiyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA    -   -alkynyl-NH(C═O)-alkyndiyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA

and positional isomers thereof;

wherein any alkyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(1-6)alkyl, anyalkenyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(2-6)alkenyl, and any alkynylof R³ is branched or unbranched C(2-6)alkynyl.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula VI

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═(C═O)OR⁴, (C═O)NHR⁴, O(C═O)R⁴, NH(C═O)R⁴

R²═(C═O)OR⁵, (C═O)NHR⁵, O(C═O) R⁵, NH(C═O)R⁵

wherein

-   -   R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl        group, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;    -   wherein R³ is selected from branched or unbranched        C(1-8)alkandiyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA, substituted or        unsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA,        substituted or unsubstituted C(2-8)alkyndiyl-(C═O)— which is        attached to AA, substituted or unsubstituted        C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA, substituted        or unsubstituted arylene-(C═O)— which is attached to AA,        substituted or unsubstituted C(4-8)heteroarylene-(C═O)— which is        attached to AA, and substituted or unsubstituted        heterocycloalkandiyl-(C═O)— which is attached to AA; wherein R³        is optionally interrupted by one or more of —O—, —S—, —SO—,        —SO₂—, —NH—, —NR⁶—, —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—, wherein R⁶ is        C(1-6)alkyl-, C(1-6)alkoxy-, or C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.

R³ is preferably branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted orunsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(2-8)alkyndiyl, C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(4-8)arylene, and even more preferably branched or unbranchedC(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted or unsubstituted C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula VI

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═(C═O)OR⁴, (C═O)NHR⁴, O(C═O)R⁴, NH(C═O)R⁴

R²═(C═O)OR⁵, (C═O)NHR⁵, O(C═O) R⁵, NH(C═O)R⁵

wherein

-   R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl    group, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;-   R³ is selected from    -   -alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkyl-O(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkyl-NH(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkyl-(C═O)-alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkyl-O(C═O)-alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkyl-NH(C═O)-alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkenyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkenyl-O(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkenyl-NH(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkenyl-(C═O)-alkenyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkenyl-O(C═O)-alkenyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA    -   -alkenyl-NH(C═O)-alkenyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA    -   -alkynyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkynyl-O(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkynyl-NH(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkynyl-(C═O)-alkynyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA;    -   -alkynyl-O(C═O)-alkynyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA    -   -alkynyl-NH(C═O)-alkynyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA

and positional isomers thereof;

-   -   wherein any alkyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(1-6)alkyl,        any alkenyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(2-6)alkenyl, and        any alkynyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(2-6)alkynyl.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently foreach occurrence a C(14-18) alkyl group, or a C(14-18) alkenyl group,preferably a C(14-18) alkenyl group having 2 to 4 double bonds.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein the compound is compound T11

A fusogenic compound having Formula VII

-   -   wherein each amphiphile independently comprises one to two        lipophilic chains, wherein the lipophilic chains each        independently comprise 8 to 22 carbon atoms;    -   wherein each AAa is independently an amino acid comprising a        side chain having an acyl group, wherein the amino acid is        attached to an amphiphile at each of its acyl groups and is        attached to the linker at its N terminus;    -   wherein linker has the structure

-   -   wherein Q¹ is branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, branched        or unbranched C(2-8)alkenediyl, branched or unbranched        C(2-8)alkynediyl, or

-   -   wherein Q² is

-   -   wherein Q³ is

wherein X is —O—, —S—, or —NH—;

-   n and p are independently for each occurrence 1 to 3;-   m is independently 1 to 10;-   r and s are independently for each occurrence 1 to 5.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein AAa is selected from the followingstructures, and any stereoisomer thereof:

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or two of the amphiphiles areabsent and replaced by an alkyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptableorganic chemical group having 1-400 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen,nitrogen, sulfur, fluorine, and hydrogen.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptableorganic chemical group is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkylether, aryl ether, alkoxy, and alkoxyakoxy.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptableorganic chemical group is selected from methoxy, ethoxy, t-butyl ether,and benzyl oxy.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula VIII

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)NH(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)OR⁴,CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)NHR⁴

R²═CH₂(CH₂)_(m)O(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)NH(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)OR⁵,CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)NHR⁵

wherein

-   n and m are each independently from 1 to 2;-   R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl    group, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula IX

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)NH(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)OR⁴,CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)NHR⁴

R²═CH₂(CH₂)_(m)O(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)NH(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)OR⁵,CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)NHR⁵

wherein

-   n and m are each independently from 1 to 2;-   R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl    group, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;-   wherein R³ is selected from branched or unbranched C(1-8)alkandiyl,    substituted or unsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl, substituted or    unsubstituted C(2-8)alkyndiyl, substituted or unsubstituted    C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl, substituted or unsubstituted arylene,    substituted or unsubstituted C(4-8)heteroarylene, and substituted or    unsubstituted heterocycloalkandiyl; wherein R³ is optionally    interrupted by one or more of —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —NH—, —NR⁶—,    —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—, wherein R⁶ is C(1-6)alkyl-, C(1-6)alkoxy-, or    C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.

R³ is preferably branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted orunsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(2-8)alkyndiyl, C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(4-8)arylene, and even more preferably branched or unbranchedC(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted or unsubstituted C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently foreach occurrence a C(14-18) alkyl group, or a C(14-18) alkenyl group,preferably a C(14-18) alkenyl group having 2 to 4 double bonds.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein the compound is compound T9:

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula X

wherein

-   -   R¹ and R² are

R¹═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)NH(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)OR⁴,CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)NHR⁴

R²═CH₂(CH₂)_(m)O(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)NH(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)OR⁵,CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)NHR⁵

-   -   R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl        group, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;        wherein R³ is absent or selected from branched or unbranched        *—NH—C(1-8)alkandiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted        *—NH—C(2-8)alkendiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted        *—NH—C(2-8)alkyndiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted        *—NH—C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted        *—NH-arylene-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted        *—NH—C(4-8)heteroarylene-(C═O)—, and substituted or        unsubstituted *—NH-heterocycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, wherein *        indicates the terminus attached to AA^(a); wherein R³ is        optionally interrupted by one or more of —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—,        —NH—, —NR⁶—, —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—, wherein R⁶ is C(1-6)alkyl-,        C(1-6)alkoxy-, or C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.

R³ is preferably branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted orunsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(2-8)alkyndiyl, C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(4-8)arylene, and even more preferably branched or unbranchedC(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted or unsubstituted C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula XI

wherein

-   -   R¹ and R² are

R¹═(C═O)OR⁴, (C═O)NHR⁴, O(C═O)R⁴, NH(C═O)R⁴

R²═(C═O)OR⁵, (C═O)NHR⁵, O(C═O) R⁵, NH(C═O)R⁵

-   -   R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl        group, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;        wherein R³ is absent or selected from branched or unbranched        *—NH—C(1-8)alkandiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted        *—NH—C(2-8)alkendiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted        *—NH—C(2-8)alkyndiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted        *—NH—C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted        *—NH-arylene-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted        *—NH—C(4-8)heteroarylene-(C═O)—, and substituted or        unsubstituted *—NH-heterocycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, wherein *        indicates the terminus attached to AA^(a); wherein R³ is        optionally interrupted by one or more of —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—,        —NH—, —NR⁶—, —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—, wherein R⁶ is C(1-6)alkyl-,        C(1-6)alkoxy-, or C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.

R³ is preferably branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted orunsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(2-8)alkyndiyl, C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(4-8)arylene, and even more preferably branched or unbranchedC(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted or unsubstituted C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula III

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)NH(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)OR⁴,CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)NHR⁴

R²═CH₂(CH₂)_(m)O(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)NH(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)OR⁵,CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)NHR⁵

wherein n and m are each independently from 1 to 2; and R⁴ and R⁵ areindependently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl group, or a C(12-20)alkenyl group;wherein

-   -   R³ is selected from        -   —(C═O)-alkyl-NH—, which is attached to AA^(a);        -   —(C═O)-alkenyl-NH—, which is attached to AA^(a);        -   —(C═O)-alkynyl-NH—, which is attached to AA^(a);    -   wherein any alkyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(1-6)alkyl,        any alkenyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(2-6)alkenyl, and        any alkynyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(2-6)alkynyl;

and positional isomers thereof;

wherein

-   each R⁶ is independently selected from H, alkyl, alkoxy, and    alkoxyalkoxy, with the proviso that one R⁶ is -(C═O)-alkyl-NH—which    NH is attached to AA^(a);-   each R⁸ is independently selected from H, alkyl, with the proviso    that one R⁸ is —(C═O)— alkyl-NH—which NH is attached to AA^(a);-   q is from zero to four;-   Q is O or N.

The fusogenic compound above, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula V

wherein R¹ and R² are

R¹═(C═O)OR⁴, (C═O)NHR⁴, O(C═O)R⁴, NH(C═O)R⁴

R²═(C═O)OR⁵, (C═O)NHR⁵, O(C═O) R⁵, NH(C═O)R⁵

wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkylgroup, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;wherein

-   wherein R³ is absent or selected from branched or unbranched    *—NH—C(1-8)alkandiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted    *—NH—C(2-8)alkendiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted    *—NH—C(2-8)alkyndiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted    *—NH—C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted    *—NH-arylene-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted    *—NH—C(4-8)heteroarylene-(C═O)—, and substituted or unsubstituted-   *—NH-heterocycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, wherein * indicates the terminus    attached to AA^(a); wherein R³ is optionally interrupted by one or    more of —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2-, —NH—, —NR⁶-, —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—,    wherein R⁶ is C(1-6)alkyl-, C(1-6)alkoxy-, or    C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.

R³ is as above, with preferably branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl,substituted or unsubstituted C(2-8)alkendiyl, substituted orunsubstituted C(2-8)alkyndiyl, C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl, substituted orunsubstituted C(4-8)arylene, and even more preferably branched orunbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(3-8)cycloalkandiyl.

Embodiments of this invention further contemplate compositionscontaining a fusogenic compound above and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier. The composition may contain nanoparticles or liposomes.

A pharmaceutical composition of this invention may include a fusogeniccompound, an active agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Ina composition, the fusogenic compound may be from 0.01 mol % to 20 mol %of the lipids of the composition. The composition may containnanoparticles or liposomes.

The fusogenic molecules and formulations of this invention can be usedfor delivery of an active agent.

In some embodiments, the active agent is one or more nucleic acids.

In certain embodiments, the active agent is one or more DNAs, RNAs,mRNAs, siRNAs, or microRNAs. The active agent may be one or more RNAmolecules.

The active agent may be one or more RNAi molecules, one or more mRNAmolecules, and modified forms thereof.

Embodiments of this invention include compositions for use indistributing an active agent for treating a condition or disease in asubject. The composition may contain an active agent, a fusogeniccompound, an ionizable lipid, a structural lipid, a stabilizer lipid,and a lipid for reducing immunogenicity of the composition.

This invention includes methods for preventing, ameliorating or treatinga disease or condition in a subject in need comprising administering tothe subject a composition above. The compositions of this invention maybe used in the treatment of the human or animal body.

Embodiments of this invention also include the following:

-   -   A compound of formula(A)

wherein linker is a divalent group comprising PEG portion,

-   X₁ and X₂ are independently C1-C5 alkanediyl group,-   R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are independently

-   X₃ is single bond, C1-C5 alkanediyl group or C2-C5 alkenediyl group,-   X₄ and X₅ are independently C2-5 alkanediyl group,-   Z₁, Z₂ and Z₃ are independently —O—, —S— or —NH—, and-   R₅ and R₆ are independently C11-23 alkyl or C11-23 alkenyl group.

Embodiments of this invention also include the following:

-   A compound of formula(B)

wherein linker is a divalent group comprising PEG portion,

-   X₆ and X₇ are independently C1-C5 alkanediyl group,-   X₈ and X₉ are independently C1-C5 alkanediyl group,-   Z₄ and Z₅ are independently —O—, —S— or —NH—,-   R₇, R₈, R₉ and R₁₀ are independently

-   X₄ and X₅ are independently C2-5 alkanediyl group,-   Z₂ and Z₃ are independently —O—, —S— or —NH—, and-   R₅ and R₆ are independently C11-23 alkyl or C11-23 alkenyl group.

The compound above, wherein the linker is

wherein m is an integer of 1-12,

-   Y₁ is —O—, —NH—or —NHCH₂—,-   Y₂ is —O—, —NH—or —CH₂NH—,-   n and q are independently an integer of 1-5,-   p is integer of 0-5,-   Y₃ and Y₅ are independently —O—, —NH—or —NHCH₂—, and-   Y₄ and Y₆ are independently —O—, —NH—or —CH₂NH—.

The compound above, wherein X₁ and X2 are independently C1-C5 straightalkanediyl group, preferably C2-C4 straight alkanediyl group, morepreferably C4 straight alkanediyl group.

The compound above, wherein R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are same group.

The compound above, wherein X₃ is single bond or C1-C5 straightalkanediyl group, X₃ is preferably C2-C4 straight alkanediyl group, morepreferably ethylene, i.e. ethanediyl group.

The compound above, wherein X₄ and X₅ are independently C2-5 straightalkanediyl group, X₄ and X₅ are preferably C2-4 straight alkanediylgroup, more preferably ethylene, i.e. ethanediyl group.

The compound above, wherein Z₁ is —NH—.

The compound above, wherein Z₂ and Z₃ are —O—.

The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ are independently C11-23 straightalkenyl group.

The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ are independently C11-23 straightalkenyl group with 1-6 double-bond(s), wherein the number of doublebonds is preferably 1-3, more preferably 2-3, further more preferably 2.

The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ are independently C11-23 straightalkenyl group with 2 double-bonds.

The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ are independently C13-17 straightalkenyl group, R₅ and R₆ are preferably C15-17 straight alkenyl group,more preferably C17 straight alkenyl group.

The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ are independently C17 straightalkenyl group.

The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ is heptadeca-8,11-dienyl group.

A composition which comprises a cationic lipid, an ionizable lipid and alipid of the compound above in a lipid nanoparticle comprising a bilayerof lipid molecules.

The composition above, which further comprises a nucleic acid.

The composition above, wherein the nucleic acid is siRNA, mRNA ormicroRNA.

The composition above, wherein the composition is a pharmaceuticalcomposition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This patent or application file contains at least one drawing executedin color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawings will be provided by the US Patent Office upon request andpayment of the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound R1.

FIG. 2 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound R2.

FIG. 3A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound R3.

FIG. 3B shows the structure of Compound R3.

FIG. 4A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound R4.

FIG. 4B shows the structure of Compound R4.

FIG. 5 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound R5.

FIG. 6 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound R6.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative scheme for the preparation of Compound R6.

FIG. 8 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound S2.

FIG. 9 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound S3.

FIG. 10A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound S4.

FIG. 10B show the structure of Compound S4.

FIG. 11 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound S5.

FIG. 12A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound S6.

FIG. 12B shows the structure of Compound S6.

FIG. 13A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound S7.

FIG. 13B shows the structure of Compound S7.

FIG. 14A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound S8.

FIG. 14B shows the structure of Compound S8.

FIG. 15A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T1.

FIG. 15B shows the structure of Compound T1.

FIG. 16A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T2.

FIG. 16B shows the structure of Compound T2.

FIG. 17A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T4.

FIG. 17B shows the structure of Compound T4.

FIG. 18A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T5.

FIG. 18B shows the structure of Compound T5.

FIG. 19A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T6.

FIG. 19B shows the structure of Compound T6.

FIG. 20A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T7.

FIG. 20B shows the structure of Compound T7.

FIG. 21A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T8.

FIG. 21B shows the structure of Compound T8.

FIG. 22A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T9.

FIG. 22B shows the structure of Compound T9.

FIG. 23A shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T3.

FIG. 23B shows the structure of Compound T3.

FIG. 24 shows results for delivery of biologically active molecules invitro using fusogenic molecules of this invention. As shown in FIG. 24,liposomal delivery formulation #5, which contained 2% (of total lipids)of a fusogenic compound R₄ of this invention, provided activity for geneexpression knockdown in stellate cells of an example siRNA targeted toHSP47 that was surprisingly increased, as compared to the controlformulation #1, which did not contain a fusogenic compound of thisinvention.

FIG. 25 shows results for delivery of biologically active molecules invitro sing fusogenic molecules of this invention. The activity for HSP47gene expression knockdown of several siRNA liposomal deliveryformulations was measured. The formulations provided high activity forgene expression knockdown in stellate cells. The formulations contained2% (of total lipids) of a fusogenic compound of this invention, andprovided high activity of the siRNA targeted to HSP47.

FIG. 26 shows results for delivery of biologically active molecules invivo using fusogenic molecules of this invention. Liposomal deliveryformulations showed activity for gene expression knockdown in vivo(mice), using an siRNA targeted to HSP47. The active formulations #2-#8contained 2% (of total lipids) of a designated fusogenic compound ofthis invention.

FIG. 27 shows the left half of the structure of Compound T10.

FIG. 28 shows the right half of the structure of Compound T10.

FIG. 29 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T10.

FIG. 30 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T10.

FIG. 31 shows the left half of the structure of Compound T11.

FIG. 32 shows the right half of the structure of Compound T11.

FIG. 33 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T11.

FIG. 34 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T11.

FIG. 35 shows the left half of the structure of Compound T12.

FIG. 36 shows the right half of the structure of Compound T12.

FIG. 37 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T12.

FIG. 38 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T12.

FIG. 39 shows the left half of the structure of Compound T13.

FIG. 40 shows the right half of the structure of Compound T13.

FIG. 41 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T13.

FIG. 42 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T13.

FIG. 43 shows the right and left halves of the structure of CompoundT14.

FIG. 44 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T14.

FIG. 45 shows a scheme for the preparation of Compound T14.

FIG. 46 shows in vitro activity for gene expression knockdown using anexample siRNA in rat stellate cells for liposomal formulationscontaining a fusogenic compound of this invention. (1) Results for aliposomal formulation comprised of lipids HEDC and S104, which did notcontain a fusogenic compound of this invention. (2) Results for aliposomal formulation similar to (1), except which contained 2% (oftotal lipids) of the fusogenic compound R4. (3) Results for a liposomalformulation similar to (1), except which contained 10% (of total lipids)of the fusogenic compound R4. The presence of fusogenic compound R4 inthe formulation greatly increased the delivered activity of the examplesiRNA, and the increased activity was directly attributable to thepresence of fusogenic compound R4.

FIG. 47 shows in vitro activity for gene expression knockdown using anexample siRNA in rat stellate cells using a liposomal formulationcontaining a fusogenic compound of this invention. (1) Results for aliposomal formulation comprised of lipids HEDC and S104, which did notcontain a fusogenic compound of this invention. (2) Results for aliposomal formulation similar to (1), except which contained 2% (oftotal lipids) of the fusogenic compound R4. (3) Results for a liposomalformulation similar to (1), except which contained 2% (of total lipids)of the fusogenic compound T3. The presence of fusogenic compounds R4 andT3, respectively, in the formulations greatly increased the deliveredactivity of the example siRNA, and the increased activity was directlyattributable to the presence of fusogenic compounds R4 and T3.

FIG. 48 shows results for delivery and transfection of GFP mRNA at 5 nM(Top) and 2 nM (bottom) into A549 cells in vitro with LNP nanoparticlesof this invention having the compositionHEDC:S104:CH:DOPE:DMPE-PEG2000:Compound T3. Fluorescence images (left)of GFP expression were acquired 48 hrs. after transfection with afluorescence microscope. Overlay image (right) of fluorescence andbright field (BF) images demonstrate that close to 100% of the cellswere transfected and are expressing GFP.

FIG. 49 shows results for delivery of GFP mRNA in vivo using fusogeniclipid-like molecules of this invention. GFP mRNA was transfected intoBalb/c mice with the LNP nanoparticles of this invention having thecomposition HEDC:S104:CH:DOPE:DMPE-PEG2000:Compound T3. As shown in FIG.49, delivery of the mRNA to various tissues and cells was determinedwith a MAXDISCOVER GFP ELISA. Surprisingly, GFP mRNA was selectivelytransfected and/or translated in lung, with lower transfection and/ortranslation in muscle, liver, heart, and kidney.

FIG. 50 shows results for delivery of Luciferase mRNA in vivo usingfusogenic lipid-like molecules of this invention. Luciferase mRNA wastransfected into Balb/c mice with the LNP nanoparticles of thisinvention having the composition HEDC:S104:CH:DOPE:DMPE-PEG2000:CompoundT3. As shown in FIG. 50, the relative delivery, transfection, and/ortranslation of the mRNA in various tissues and cells was determined witha Promega E4510 assay kit. Surprisingly, Fluc mRNA was selectivelydelivered, transfected, and/or translated in lung and spleen, with lowerdelivery, transfection, and/or translation in liver, heart, kidney, andmuscle.

FIG. 51 shows results for delivery of Luciferase mRNA in vivo usingfusogenic lipid-like molecules of this invention. Luciferase mRNA wastransfected into Balb/c mice with the LNP nanoparticles of thisinvention having the composition: (−01)HE2DC:S104:CH:DOPE:DMPE-PEG2000:Compound T3, or (−02)HEDC:S104:CH:DOPE:DMPE-PEG2000:Compound T3, injected at 2 mpk. As shownin FIG. 51, the relative delivery, transfection, and/or translation ofthe mRNA in various tissues and cells was determined with a PromegaE4510 assay kit. Fluc mRNA was selectively delivered, transfected,and/or translated in lung and spleen, with lower delivery, transfection,and/or translation in pancreas, kidney, liver, testis, and smallintestine.

FIG. 52 shows bioluminescence results for delivery of Luciferase mRNA invivo mouse using fusogenic lipid-like molecules of this invention. Asshown in FIG. 52, the relative delivery, transfection, and/ortranslation of the mRNA in various tissues was determined withluminescence imaging 7 hours after injection.

FIG. 53 shows results for delivery of Luciferase mRNA in vivo mouseusing fusogenic lipid-like molecules of this invention. As shown in FIG.53, the relative delivery of mRNA was far greater in formulationscontaining the fusogenic molecule of this invention (2035-03-03) thanfor the same formulation without the fusogenic molecule (2035-13-01).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

This invention provides a range of fusogenic molecules. The fusogeniccompounds of this invention can be used in delivering therapeutic agentsto cells, tissues or organs, organisms, and subjects.

In some aspects, this invention provides platform compounds for formingfusogenic molecules. The fusogenic molecules may be formed by attachingone or a plurality of neutral molecules such as hydrocarbon molecules,aliphatic molecule, saturated fatty acid molecule, unsaturated fattyacid molecule, monounsaturated fatty acid molecule or polyunsaturatedfatty acid molecule to the platform structure.

Examples of a fusogenic compound of this invention include, but are notlimited to, a compound R₄ shown in FIG. 4B; a compound S6 shown in FIG.12B; a compound S7 shown in FIG. 13B; a compound S8 shown in FIG. 14B; acompound T1 shown in FIG. 15B; a compound T2 shown in FIG. 16B; acompound T4 shown in FIG. 17B; a compound T5 shown in FIG. 18B; acompound T6 shown in FIG. 19B; a compound T7 shown in FIG. 20B; acompound T8 shown in FIG. 21B; a compound T9 shown in FIG. 22B; acompound T3 shown in FIG. 23B; a compound T10 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28;a compound T11 shown in FIGS. 31 and 32; a compound T12 shown in FIGS.35 and 36; a compound T13 shown in FIGS. 39 and 40; a compound T14 shownin FIG. 43.

Compounds shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and 6-11 are shown for purposesof illustrating methods of synthesis of compounds.

In some aspects, this invention provides a range fusogenic molecules,which can be used in formulations for forming and utilizing lipidnanoparticles for delivering active agents to cells and subjects.

A fusogenic compound of this invention can have one or two amphiphilesattached to an amino acid group, which amino acid group is attached by alinker to a separate amino acid group carrying one or two additionalamphiphiles.

The lipophilic chains of an amphiphile can each independently contain 8to 22 carbon atoms.

An amphiphile group can be a lipid-like group, having one or twolipophilic chains attached to an organic chemical group. The organicchemical group may have up to 400 atoms, or 20-400 atoms, or 10-400atoms, or 4-400 atoms, or 3-400 atoms, or 2-400 atoms, or 1-400 atomsselected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, fluorine, and hydrogen,and may have any structure suitable for attaching the one or twolipophilic chains, and attaching to the amino acid group. The organicchemical group may be neutral, or zwitterionic, or can provide ahydrophilic nature. In certain embodiments, the organic chemical groupmay be ionizable. Examples of an organic chemical group include, alkyl,alkenyl, alkynyl, and acetyl, as well as protective groups such as Boc,Fmoc, TFA, and CBZ (benzyloxycarbonyl).

Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, an amphiphile mayhave a lipid-like structure so that the amphiphile may enter a lipidbilayer in an orientation similar to lipid molecules of the bilayer,while remaining attached to the larger fusogenic compound. A fusogeniccompound of this invention may disrupt the dynamical structure of thebilayer to enhance fusogenicity to cells.

An amino acid group of a fusogenic compound (designated AA or AA^(a))may be modified with substituents. An amino acid group of a fusogeniccompound may be any D or L amino acid group having the formula—NR^(N)—CR¹R²—(C═O)—, where R¹ is a substituted or unsubstituted sidechain of certain natural amino acids. R² and R^(N) may be eachindependently hydrogen, or an organic group consisting of carbon,oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and hydrogen atoms, and having from 1 to 20carbon atoms, or can be C(1-6)alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl,C(2-6)alkenyl, C(2-6)alkynyl, C(1-6)alkanoyl, C(1-6)alkanoyloxy,C(1-6)alkoxy, C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkyl, C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy.

As used herein, the term “which is attached to AA” is used to designatethe point of attachment of a group to AA. For example, the term“-alkyl-(C═O)—, which is attached to AA” refers to attachment to AAthrough the (C═O)— group, so that -alkyl-(C═O)-AA is formed. Unlessotherwise stated, it is intended that the last group which appears nextto the phrase “which is attached to AA” is the group attached to AA.

This invention can provide compositions for use in distributing anactive agent in cells, tissues or organs, organisms, and subjects, wherethe composition includes one or more of the fusogenic molecules of thisinvention.

The fusogenic compounds of this invention can provide compositions andformulations for use in delivering therapeutic agents to cells, tissuesand subjects advantageously without significant aggregation of thecomponents of the composition.

A fusogenic compound of this invention can provide a liposomalformulation for use in delivering therapeutic agents to cells, tissuesand subjects advantageously without significant aggregation of theliposomes of the composition.

Compositions of this invention may include one or more of the fusogenicmolecules, along with a structural lipid, and one or more lipids forreducing immunogenicity of the composition.

In some aspects, this invention provides novel fusogenic lipids thatfacilitate the delivery of biologically active molecules into cells. Thefusogenic lipids can be incorporated into formulations, such asnanoparticles or liposomes, to deliver therapeutic molecules includingnucleic acids or oligonucleotides to cells, including tumors. In certainembodiments, nanoparticles or liposomes containing fusogenic lipids mayfuse with a plasma membrane of a cell, or intracellular membrane of acell, and facilitate the release of therapeutic molecules, as well asincrease transfection efficacy.

In further embodiments, a range of novel fusogenic lipids can besynthesized and incorporated into nanoparticles or liposomes. Thenanoparticles or liposomes may incorporate, or encapsulate therapeuticmolecules, including nucleic acid based molecules such as siRNA, miRNAor mRNA, as well as small molecule drugs and any active therapeuticagent that can be delivered with the nanoparticles or liposomes.

The particle size of nanoparticles or liposomes may be in the range of50-200 nm, with a polydispersity less than 0.2. The transfectionefficacy of the nanoparticles or liposomes in various cell lines can beenhanced relative to nanoparticles or liposomes lacking one or more ofthe novel fusogenic lipids.

In additional embodiments, cellular uptake of nanoparticles or liposomesof this invention by an endocytotic pathway or micropinocytosismechanism, among others, can be enhanced.

Nanoparticles or liposomes of this invention may also reduce lysosomaldegradation of therapeutic molecules in delivery.

In some embodiments, this invention includes compositions containing oneor more of the fusogenic molecules, along with other lipid molecules forforming nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, the fusogenic moleculesmay comprise 0.1 to 40 mol % of the lipids of the composition. Infurther embodiments, the fusogenic compound may comprise 1 to 20 mol %of the lipids of the composition. In additional embodiments, thefusogenic compound may comprise 1 to 10 mol %, or 2 to 10 mol % of thelipids of the composition. In further embodiments, the fusogenicmolecules may comprise 2 mol % of the lipids of the composition.

In some embodiments, a fusogenic compound may comprise a fourth or fifthcomponent of the lipids of the composition, or the fusogenic moleculesmay replace one of the components of the lipids of the composition.

The fusogenic molecules of this invention can be composed of a platformstructure, and having attached to the platform structure from one tofour amphiphile groups with suitable chemical linkages.

A composition of this invention can include a fusogenic molecule of thisdisclosure. The fusogenic molecule may be 1-10 mol % of the composition,or more. The composition may form a nanoparticle or liposome.

In some embodiments, a composition of this invention may include acationic lipid, an ionizable lipid, and a fusogenic lipid molecule,which can combine to form a lipid nanoparticle. In certain embodiments,a lipid nanoparticle may have a bilayer of lipid molecules.

In certain embodiments, one or two amphiphiles may be absent, and whenabsent may be replaced by a protective group R^(P).

In additional embodiments, one or two amphiphiles may be absent, andwhen absent may be replaced by an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group, oran organic chemical group having up to 400 atoms, or 20-400 atoms, or10-400 atoms, or 4-400 atoms, or 3-400 atoms, or 2-400 atoms, or 1-400atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, fluorine, andhydrogen.

Methods to prepare various organic groups and protective groups areknown in the art and their use and modification is generally within theability of one of skill in the art. See, e.g., Stanley R. Sandler andWolf Karo, Organic Functional Group Preparations (1989); Greg T.Hermanson, Bioconjugate Techniques (1996); Leroy G. Wade, Compendium OfOrganic Synthetic Methods (1980); some examples of protective groups arefound in T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups In OrganicSynthesis (3rd ed. 1991). See, e.g., Helmut Vorbrüggen, Handbook ofNucleoside Synthesis (2001).

Examples of a protective group R^(P) include Fmoc(fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl).

Examples of a protective group R^(P) include Boc(tert-butyloxycarbonyl).

Examples of a protective group R^(P) include OTrt (O triphenylmethyl).

Examples of an amino protective group R^(P) include Ac (acetamide(C═O)CH₃).

Examples of amino protecting group include Fmoc, Boc, Trt, Dde andAlloc.

Examples of protective alkoxy groups include OTrt, OClt, OMmt, OMtt,ODpm and OtBu.

Examples of a protective group include t-butylether.

Examples of a carboxylic acid protecting group include benzyl ester.

Cationic lipids and Ionizable lipids

Examples of the cationic lipids and the ionizable lipids of thisdisclosure are given in US20130022665A and US20130330401A.

The structure of HEDC is shown in US2013/0022665A at [0146].

The structure of 5104 is shown in US 2013/0115274A1 at [0046].

Compositions with Three or More Components

As used herein, a component of a formulation, such as a “lipid,” can bea single compound, or can be a combination of one or more suitable lipidcompounds. For example, “a stabilizer lipid” can refer to a singlestabilizer lipid, or to a combination of one or more suitable stabilizerlipids. One skilled in the art can readily appreciate that certaincombinations of the compounds described herein can be used without undueexperimentation, and that various combinations of compounds areencompassed by the description of a component of a formulation.

The ionizable compounds of a composition of this invention can be from20 mol % to 80 mol % of the lipid components of the composition. Incertain embodiments, the ionizable molecules of a composition can befrom 55 mol % to 65 mol % of the lipid components of the composition. Infurther embodiments, the ionizable molecules of a composition can beabout 60 mol % of the lipid components of the composition.

The structural lipid of a composition of this invention can be from 20mol % to 50 mol % of the lipid components of the composition. In certainembodiments, the structural lipid of a composition can be from 35 mol %to 45 mol % of the lipid components of the composition.

The one or more lipids for reducing immunogenicity of the compositioncan be from a total of 1 mol % to 8 mol % of the lipid components of thecomposition. In certain embodiments, the one or more lipids for reducingimmunogenicity of the composition can be from a total of 1 mol % to 5mol % of the lipid components of the composition.

In additional aspects, a composition of this invention can furtherinclude a cationic lipid, which can be from 5 mol % to 25 mol % of thelipid components of the composition. In certain embodiments, acomposition of this invention can further include a cationic lipid,which can be from 5 mol % to 15 mol % of the lipid components of thecomposition. In these aspects, the molar ratio of the concentrations ofthe cationic lipid to the ionizable molecules of a composition of thisinvention can be from 5:80 to 25:50.

In compositions of this invention, the entirety of the lipid componentsmay include one or more of the ionizable compound molecular components,a structural lipid, and one or more lipids for reducing immunogenicityof the composition.

In addition to the components above, a composition of this invention canfurther include a fusogenic molecule of this disclosure. The fusogenicmolecule may be 1-10 mol % of the composition.

Compositions with four or more components

The ionizable molecules of a composition of this invention can be from15 mol % to 40 mol % of the lipid components of the composition. Incertain embodiments, the ionizable molecules of a composition can befrom 20 mol % to 35 mol % of the lipid components of the composition. Infurther embodiments, the ionizable molecules of a composition can befrom 25 mol % to 30 mol % of the lipid components of the composition.

The structural lipid of a composition of this invention can be from 25mol % to 40 mol % of the lipid components of the composition. In certainembodiments, the structural lipid of a composition can be from 30 mol %to 35 mol % of the lipid components of the composition.

The sum of the stabilizer lipids of a composition of this invention canbe from 25 mol % to 40% mol % of the lipid components of thecomposition. In certain embodiments, the sum of the stabilizer lipids ofa composition can be from 30 mol % to 40 mol % of the lipid componentsof the composition.

In some embodiments, a composition of this invention can include two ormore stabilizer lipids, where each of the stabilizer lipids individuallycan be from 5 mol % to 35 mol % of the lipid components of thecomposition. In certain embodiments, a composition of this invention caninclude two or more stabilizer lipids, where each of the stabilizerlipids individually can be from 10 mol % to 30 mol % of the lipidcomponents of the composition.

In certain embodiments, the sum of the one or more stabilizer lipids canbe from 25 mol % to 40 mol % of the lipids of the composition, whereineach of the stabilizer lipids individually can be from 5 mol % to 35%mol %.

In certain embodiments, the sum of the one or more stabilizer lipids canbe from 30 mol % to 40 mol % of the lipids of the composition, whereineach of the stabilizer lipids individually can be from 10 mol % to 30%mol %.

The one or more lipids for reducing immunogenicity of the compositioncan be from a total of 1 mol % to 8 mol % of the lipid components of thecomposition. In certain embodiments, the one or more lipids for reducingimmunogenicity of the composition can be from a total of 1 mol % to 5mol % of the lipid components of the composition.

In additional aspects, a composition of this invention can furtherinclude a cationic lipid, which can be from 5 mol % to 25 mol % of thelipid components of the composition. In certain embodiments, acomposition of this invention can further include a cationic lipid,which can be from 5 mol % to 15 mol % of the lipid components of thecomposition. In these aspects, the molar ratio of the concentrations ofthe cationic lipid to the ionizable molecules of a composition of thisinvention can be from 5:35 to 25:15.

In certain embodiments, the entirety of the lipid components of acomposition may include one or more of the ionizable compound molecularcomponents, a structural lipid, one or more lipids for reducingimmunogenicity of the composition, and one or more stabilizer lipids.

In addition to the components above, a composition of this invention canfurther include a fusogenic molecule of this disclosure. The fusogenicmolecule may be 1-10 mol % of the composition.

Examples of Lipid Compositions

In some embodiments, a composition may contain one or more ionizablemolecules, a structural lipid, one or more lipids for reducingimmunogenicity of the composition, and a fusogenic molecule of thisinvention, which would represent 100% of the lipid components of thecomposition. In certain embodiments, a cationic lipid can be included.

Examples of compositions of this invention are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Compositions of lipid components (each in mol % of total) ReduceIonizable Cationic Structural immun. Fusogenic 60 0 30 8 2 60 0 33 5 255 0 42 1 2 65 0 31 3 1 60 0 33 4 3 65 0 28 3 4 70 0 20 5 5 66 0 20 6 873 0 15 2 10 50 10 33 5 2 55 15 23 5 2 55 19 19 5 2

Examples of compositions of this invention are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Compositions of lipid components (each in mol % of total) ReduceIonizable Cationic Structural Stabilizer immun. Fusogenic 17 0 35 38 8 220 0 32 40 5 3 25 0 35 37 1 2 25 0 34 34 5 2 25 0 28 38 5 4 25 0 40 27 53 30 0 25 38 5 2 35 0 24 34 5 2 40 0 29 24 5 2 25 5 30 32 5 3 25 10 2828 5 4 25 15 25 30 3 2

Structural Lipids

Examples of structural lipids include cholesterols, sterols, andsteroids.

Examples of structural lipids include cholanes, cholestanes, ergostanes,campestanes, poriferastanes, stigmastanes, gorgostanes, lanostanes,gonanes, estranes, androstanes, pregnanes, and cycloartanes.

Examples of structural lipids include sterols and zoosterols such ascholesterol, lanosterol, zymosterol, zymostenol, desmosterol,stigmastanol, dihydrolanosterol, and 7-dehydrocholesterol.

Examples of structural lipids include pegylated cholesterols, andcholestane 3-oxo-(C1-22)acyl compounds, for example, cholesterylacetate, cholesteryl arachidonate, cholesteryl butyrate, cholesterylhexanoate, cholesteryl myristate, cholesteryl palmitate, cholesterylbehenate, cholesteryl stearate, cholesteryl caprylate, cholesteryln-decanoate, cholesteryl dodecanoate, cholesteryl nervonate, cholesterylpelargonate, cholesteryl n-valerate, cholesteryl oleate, cholesterylelaidate, cholesteryl erucate, cholesteryl heptanoate, cholesteryllinolelaidate, and cholesteryl linoleate.

Examples of structural lipids include sterols such as phytosterols,beta-sitosterol, campesterol, ergosterol, brassicasterol,delta-7-stigmasterol, and delta-7-avenasterol.

Stabilizer Lipids

Examples of stabilizer lipids include zwitterionic lipids.

Examples of stabilizer lipids include compounds such as phospholipids.

Examples of phospholipids include phosphatidylcholine,phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol,phosphatidic acid, palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine,lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine,dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, dioleoylphosphatidylcholine,distearoylphosphatidylcholine and ordilinoleoylphosphatidylcholine.

Examples of stabilizer lipids include phosphatidyl ethanolaminecompounds and phosphatidyl choline compounds.

Examples of stabilizer lipids include1,2-dioleoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine (DOPC).

Examples of stabilizer lipids include diphytanoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DPhPE) and 1,2-Diphytanoyl-sn-Glycero-3-Phosphocholine(DPhPC).

Examples of stabilizer lipids include1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC),1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC),1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), and1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE).

Examples of stabilizer lipids include 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycerol (DLG);1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol (DMG); 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol (DPG);1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycerol (DS G);1,2-diarachidoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DAPC);1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC);1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC);1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-O-ethyl-3-phosphocholine (DPePC);1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DLPE);1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DMPE);1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE);1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine;1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC);1-palmitoyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (P-Lyso-PC); and1-Stearoyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (S-Lyso-PC).

Lipids for Reducing Immunogenicity

Examples of lipids for reducing immunogenicity include polymericcompounds and polymer-lipid conjugates.

Examples of lipids for reducing immunogenicity include pegylated lipidshaving polyethyleneglycol (PEG) regions. The PEG regions can be of anymolecular mass. In some embodiments, a PEG region can have a molecularmass of 200, 300, 350, 400, 500, 550, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 3500,4000 or 5000 Da.

Examples of lipids for reducing immunogenicity include compounds havinga methoxypolyethyleneglycol region.

Examples of lipids for reducing immunogenicity include compounds havinga carbonyl-methoxypolyethyleneglycol region.

Examples of lipids for reducing immunogenicity include compounds havinga multi-branched PEG region.

Examples of lipids for reducing immunogenicity include compounds havinga polyglycerine region.

Examples of lipids for reducing immunogenicity include polymeric lipidssuch as DSPE-mPEG, DMPE-mPEG, DPPE-mPEG, and DOPE-mPEG.

Examples of lipids for reducing immunogenicity include PEG-phospholipidsand PEG-ceramides.

Cationic Lipids

Examples of cationic lipids include cationic HEDC(2-(bis(2-(tetradecanoyloxy)ethyl)amino)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-oxoethan-aminiumbromide) compounds as described in US 2013/0330401 A1. Some examples ofcationic lipids are given in US 2013/0115274 A1.

Lipid Compositions

In some embodiments, a composition can contain a fusogenic molecule, anionizable compound, cholesterol, lipids DOPC and DOPE, and DPPE-mPEG. Incertain embodiments, the fusogenic molecule can be 1-20 mol % of thecomposition, the ionizable molecule can be 15 to 25 mol % of thecomposition; the cholesterol, DOPC, and DOPE combined can be 75 to 85mol % of the composition; and DPPE-mPEG can be 2-5 mol % of thecomposition.

In one embodiment, the fusogenic molecule can be 2 mol % of thecomposition, the ionizable molecule can be 24 mol % of the composition;cholesterol can be 29 mol % of the composition, DOPC can be 20 mol % ofthe composition, DOPE can be 20 mol % of the composition; andDPPE-mPEG(2000) can be 5 mol % of the composition.

Nanoparticles

Embodiments of this invention can provide liposome nanoparticlecompositions. The fusogenic molecules of this invention can be used toform liposome compositions, which can have one or more bilayerstructures of lipid-like molecules.

A nanoparticle composition can have one or more of the fusogenicmolecules of this invention in a liposomal structure, a bilayerstructure, a micelle, a lamellar structure, or a mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, a composition can include one or more liquidvehicle components. A liquid vehicle suitable for delivery of activeagents of this invention can be a pharmaceutically acceptable liquidvehicle. A liquid vehicle can include an organic solvent, or acombination of water and an organic solvent.

Embodiments of this invention can provide lipid nanoparticles having asize of from 10 to 1000 nm. In some embodiments, the liposomenanoparticles can have a size of from 10 to 150 nm.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

This invention further contemplates methods for distributing an activeagent to an organ of a subject for treating fibrosis by administering tothe subject a composition of this invention. Organs that can be treatedinclude lung, liver, pancreas, kidney, colon, heart, bone marrow, skin,intestine, brain and eye.

In some embodiments, this invention provides methods for treating a lungfibrosis disease by administering to the subject a composition of thisinvention.

Examples of fibrosis disease include idiopathic lung fibrosis and livercirrhosis.

In further aspects, this invention provides a range of pharmaceuticalformulations.

A pharmaceutical formulation herein can include an active agent, as wellas a drug carrier, or a lipid of this invention, along with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

In general, active agents of this description include siRNAs, activeagents for fibrosis, as well as any small molecule drug. An active agentcan be a nucleic acid, a siRNA, a mRNA or a microRNA.

A pharmaceutical formulation of this invention may contain one or moreof each of the following: a surface active agent, a diluent, anexcipient, a preservative, a stabilizer, a dye, and a suspension agent.

Some pharmaceutical carriers, diluents and components for apharmaceutical formulation, as well as methods for formulating andadministering the compounds and compositions of this invention aredescribed in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed., MackPublishing Co., Easton, Penn. (1990).

Examples of preservatives include sodium benzoate, ascorbic acid, andesters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid.

Examples of surface active agents include alcohols, esters, sulfatedaliphatic alcohols.

Examples of excipients include sucrose, glucose, lactose, starch,crystallized cellulose, mannitol, light anhydrous silicate, magnesiumaluminate, magnesium metasilicate aluminate, synthetic aluminumsilicate, calcium carbonate, sodium acid carbonate, calcium hydrogenphosphate, and calcium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Examples of suspension agents include coconut oil, olive oil, sesameoil, peanut oil, soya, cellulose acetate phthalate,methylacetate-methacrylate copolymer, and ester phthalates.

Structures of Molecular Tails

A compound of this invention may have one or more lipophilic tails thatcontain one or more alkyl or alkenyl groups. Examples of lipophilictails having alkenyl groups include C(14:1(5))alkenyl,C(14:1(9))alkenyl, C(16:1(7))alkenyl, C(16:1(9))alkenyl,C(18:1(3))alkenyl, C(18:1(5))alkenyl, C(18:1(7))alkenyl,C(18:1(9))alkenyl, C(18:1(11))alkenyl, C(18:1(12))alkenyl,C(18:2(9,12))alkenyl, C(18:2(9,11))alkenyl, C(18:3(9,12,15))alkenyl,C(18:3(6,9,12))alkenyl, C(18:3(9,11,13))alkenyl,C(18:4(6,9,12,15))alkenyl, C(18:4(9,11,13,15))alkenyl,C(20:1(9))alkenyl, C(20:1(11))alkenyl, C(20:2(8,11))alkenyl,C(20:2(5,8))alkenyl, C(20:2(11,14))alkenyl, C(20:3(5,8,11))alkenyl,C(20:4(5,8,11,14))alkenyl, C(20:4(7,10,13,16))alkenyl,C(20:5(5,8,11,14,17))alkenyl, C(20:6(4,7,10,13,16,19))alkenyl,C(22:1(9))alkenyl, C(22:1(13))alkenyl, and C(24:1(9))alkenyl. Someexamples of tail structures are found at Donald Voet and Judith Voet,Biochemistry, 3rd Edition (2005), p. 383.

Some examples of lipophilic tails include the following structures:

Any of these example structures of lipophilic tails may have one or moreadditional chemical branches.

Additional Embodiments

Embodiments of this invention further include:

A compound of formula (A)

wherein linker is a divalent group comprising PEG portion,

-   X₁and X₂ are independently C1-C5 alkanediyl group,-   R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are independently

-   X₃ is single bond, C1-C5 alkanediyl group or C2-C5 alkenediyl group,-   X₄ and X₅ are independently C2-5 alkanediyl group,-   Z₁, Z₂ and Z3 are independently —O—, —S— or —NH—, and-   R₅ and R₆ are independently C11-23 alkyl or C11-23 alkenyl group.

A compound of formula (B)

wherein linker is a divalent group comprising PEG portion,

-   X6 and X7 are independently C1-C5 alkanediyl group,-   X8 and X₉ are independently C1-C5 alkanediyl group,-   Z₄ and Z₅ are independently —O—, —S— or —NH—,-   R₇, R₈, R₉ and Rio are independently

-   X₄ and X₅ are independently C2-5 alkanediyl group,-   Z₂ and Z₃ are independently —O—, —S— or —NH—, and-   R₅ and R₆ are independently C11-23 alkyl or C11-23 alkenyl group.

The compound above, wherein the linker is

wherein m is an integer of 1-12,

-   Y₁ is —O—, —NH—or —NHCH₂—,-   Y₂ is —O—, —NH—or —CH₂NH—,-   n and q are independently an integer of 1-5,-   p is integer of 0-5,-   Y₃ and Y₅ are independently —O—, —NH—or —NHCH₂—, and-   Y₄ and Y₆ are independently —O—, —NH—or —CH₂NH—.-   The compound above, wherein X₁ and X₂ are independently C1-C5    straight alkanediyl group, preferably C2-C4 straight alkanediyl    group, more preferably C4 straight alkanediyl group.-   The compound above, wherein R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are same group.-   The compound above, wherein X₃ is single bond or C1-C5 straight    alkanediyl group, X3 is preferably C2-C4 straight alkanediyl group,    more preferably ethylene, i.e. ethanediyl group.-   The compound above, wherein X₄ and X₅ are independently C2-5    straight alkanediyl group, X₄ and X₅ are preferably C2-4 straight    alkanediyl group, more preferably ethylene, i.e. ethanediyl group.-   The compound above, wherein Z₁ is —NH—.-   The compound above, wherein Z₂ and Z₃ are —O—.-   The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ are independently C11-23    straight alkenyl group.-   The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ are independently C11-23    straight alkenyl group with 1-6 double-bond(s), wherein the number    of double bonds is preferably 1-3, more preferably 2-3, further more    preferably 2.-   The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ are independently C11-23    straight alkenyl group with 2 double-bonds.-   The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ are independently C13-17    straight alkenyl group, R₅ and R₆ are preferably C15-17 straight    alkenyl group, more preferably C17 straight alkenyl group.-   The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ are independently C17 straight    alkenyl group.-   The compound above, wherein R₅ and R₆ is heptadeca-8,11-dienyl    group.-   A composition which comprises a cationic lipid, an ionizable lipid    and a lipid of the compound above in a lipid nanoparticle comprising    a bilayer of lipid molecules.-   The composition above, which further comprises a nucleic acid.-   The composition above, wherein the nucleic acid is siRNA, mRNA or    microRNA.-   The composition above, wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical    composition.

Chemical Definitions

The term “alkyl” as used herein refers to a hydrocarbyl radical of asaturated aliphatic group, which can be of any length unless otherwisespecified. An alkyl group can be a branched or unbranched, substitutedor unsubstituted aliphatic group containing from 1 to 22 carbon atoms.This definition also applies to the alkyl portion of other groups suchas, for example, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, and aralkyl, for example.

As used herein, for example, a term such as “C(1-5)alkyl” includesC(1)alkyl, C(2)alkyl, C(3)alkyl, C(4)alkyl, and C(5)alkyl. Likewise, forexample, the term “C(3-22)alkyl” includes C(1)alkyl, C(2)alkyl,C(3)alkyl, C(4)alkyl, C(5)alkyl, C(6)alkyl, C(7)alkyl, C(8)alkyl,C(9)alkyl, C(10)alkyl, C(11)alkyl, C(12)alkyl, C(13)alkyl, C(14)alkyl,C(15)alkyl, C(16)alkyl, C(17)alkyl, C(18)alkyl, C(19)alkyl, C(20)alkyl,C(21)alkyl, and C(22)alkyl.

As used herein, an alkyl group may be designated by a term such as Me(methyl, —CH₃), Et (ethyl, —CH₂CH₃), Pr (any propyl group), ^(ii)Pr(n-Pr, n-propyl), ^(i)Pr (i-Pr, isopropyl), Bu (any butyl group),^(ii)Bu (n-Bu, n-butyl), ^(i)Bu (i-Bu, isobutyl), sBu (s-Bu, sec-butyl),and ^(t)Bu (t-Bu, tert-butyl).

The term “alkenyl” as used herein refers to hydrocarbyl radical havingat least one carbon-carbon double bond. An alkenyl group can be branchedor unbranched, substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbyl radical having 2to 22 carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon double bond. An“alkenyl” group has one or more carbon-carbon double bonds.

The term “substituted” as used herein refers to an atom having one ormore substitutions or substituents which can be the same or differentand may include a hydrogen substituent. Thus, the terms alkyl,cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, and aryl, for example, refer togroups which can include substituted variations. Substituted variationsinclude linear, branched, and cyclic variations, and groups having asubstituent or substituents replacing one or more hydrogens attached toany carbon atom of the group.

In general, a compound may contain one or more chiral centers. Compoundscontaining one or more chiral centers may include those described as an“isomer,” a “stereoisomer,” a “diastereomer,” an “enantiomer,” an“optical isomer,” or as a “racemic mixture.” Conventions forstereochemical nomenclature, for example the stereoisomer naming rulesof Cahn, Ingold and Prelog, as well as methods for the determination ofstereochemistry and the separation of stereoisomers are known in theart. See, for example, Michael B. Smith and Jerry March, March'sAdvanced Organic Chemistry, 5th edition, 2001. The compounds andstructures of this disclosure, including chemical drawings, are meant toencompass all possible isomers, chemically reasonable positionalisomers, stereoisomers, diastereomers, enantiomers, and/or opticalisomers that would be understood to exist for the specified compound orstructure, including any mixture, racemic or otherwise, thereof.

This invention encompasses any and all tautomeric, solvated orunsolvated, hydrated or unhydrated forms, as well as any atom isotopeforms of the compounds and compositions disclosed herein.

This invention encompasses any and all crystalline polymorphs ordifferent crystalline forms of the compounds and compositions disclosedherein.

Abbreviations used:

-   DMAP—4-N,N-Dimethylaminopyridine

-   DCM—Dichloromethane

-   TEA—Triethylamine

-   EDC—1-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodimimde hydrochloride

-   Na₂SO₄—Sodium sulphate

-   EtOAc—Ethyl acetate

-   DMF—N,N-Dimethylformide

-   ELSD—Evaporating Light Scattering Detector

-   NaCl—Sodium chloride

-   K₂CO₃—Potassium carbonate

-   MeOH—Methanol

-   TFA—Trifluoroacetic acid

-   DIEA—N,N-Diisopropylethylamine

-   PEG—polyethylene glycol, a.k.a. polyethylene oxide

-   MgSO₄—Magnesium sulphate

-   LCMS—Liquid chromatography—mass spectrometry

-   NaHCO₃—Sodium bicarbonate

-   H₂O—Water

-   HCl—Hydrochloride

-   KI—Potassium idoide

-   DMSO—Dimethyl sulfoxide

-   TBAF—tetra-N-Butylammonium fluoride

-   NaBH₄—Sodium borohydride

-   THF—Tetrahydrofuran

-   TBDMS—tert-Butyldimethylsilyl

-   

-   LiOH—Lithium hydroxide

-   Mel—Methyl iodide

-   BOC—tert-Butyloxycarbonyl

-   Fmoc—Fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Fusogenic molecules of this invention were useful fordelivering one or more biologically active agents in cells. In thisexample, fusogenic molecules of this invention were shown to providesurprisingly active delivery of an example siRNA targeted to HSP47 forgene expression knockdown. The example siRNA was delivered in aliposomal formulation containing the fusogenic molecules. The presenceof the fusogenic molecules of this invention in the delivery formulationsurprisingly provided high activity of the formulation for geneexpression knockdown by the example siRNA.

The in vitro activity for gene expression knockdown using an siRNA wasmeasured using rat stellate cells in DMEM medium according to thefollowing protocol: One day before the transfection, plate the cells ina 96-well plate at 3×10³ cells per well for Stellate cells with 100 μlof medium containing 10% FBS and culture in a 37° C. incubatorcontaining a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO₂ in air. Beforetransfection, change medium to 90 μl of medium without antibiotics.Prepare the appropriate dilutions of the solution collected from thetubing in PBS buffer so that the addition of 10 μl into each well issufficient to reach the desired concentration. 48 hours aftertransfection, wash the cells once with ice-cold PBS. Lyse the cells with50 μl of Cell-to-Ct Lysis Buffer for 5-30 minutes at ambienttemperature. Add 5 μl of Stop Solution and incubate for 2 minutes atambient temperature. Measure mRNA level by qPCR with TAQMAN immediately.Alternatively, the samples can be frozen at −80° C. and assayed at latertimes. For qRT-PCR assay: Thaw all reagents on ice. Mix the pooledreagents in 0.2 mlPCR tubes. Dispense the set-up mixture into 384 wellplate, 10 μl/well×3. Seal the plate with film, spin down mixture intothe bottom of wells. Perform qRT-PCR assay.

In this example, an HSP47 siRNA was used to knockdown HSP47 gene. ForTaqMan gene expression assays, HSP47 gene specific TaqMan probe wasused.

Experimental results for the in vitro gene silencing activity in ratstellate cells is shown in Tables 3 and 4.

TABLE 3 In vitro activity in rat stellate cells % of Expression % ofExpression at Dose (nM) at Dose (nM) 50 200 18 75 300 Sample nM nM nM nMnM Control (PBS) 110 92 80 80 36 Compound R4  44 15 16 10  6 Compound S697 80 33 Compound S7 57 48 27 Compound S8 74 64 42 Compound T1 76 68 44Compound T2 82 70 44 Compound T3 10  8  5 Compound T4 82 70 44

TABLE 4 In vitro activity in rat stellate cells % of Expression at Dose(nM) Sample 18 nM 75 nM 300 nM Control (PBS) 88 88 88 Compound T3 36 153 Compound T4 27 10 8 Compound T5 29 13 11 Compound T6 30 12 5 CompoundT7 51 20 8 Compound T8 29 9 8 Compound T9 100 65 36

These data show that a siRNA formulation containing a fusogenic moleculeof this invention was surprisingly effective for delivering an activesiRNA agent in cells. Fusogenic molecules of this invention were shownto provide surprisingly active delivery for gene expression knockdown ofan example siRNA targeted to HSP47.

Example 2: A broad range of fusogenic molecules of this invention wereshown to be useful for delivering an active agent in cells. In thisexample, a range of fusogenic molecules of this invention were shown toprovide surprisingly active delivery of an example siRNA targeted toHSP47 for gene expression knockdown. The example siRNA was delivered ina liposomal formulation containing the fusogenic molecules.

The in vitro activity for gene expression knockdown measured in stellatecells using an example siRNA in a liposomal formulation containingvarious fusogenic molecules of this invention is shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 % of HSP47 expression in Stellate Cell Conc siRNA Sample 18 nM75 nM 300 nM Cell Only 108 108 108 Cell + PBS 100 100 100 Compound T1011.1 4.2 1.9 Compound T11 11.1 4.5 1.8 Compound T12 40.2 8.4 2.7Compound T13 21.8 6.4 3.1 Compound T14 103.3 59.1 5.2 Compound T3 13.24.5 2.3

As shown in Table 5, the presence of the fusogenic molecules of thisinvention in the liposomal delivery formulation surprisingly providedhigh activity of the formulation for gene expression knockdown by theexample siRNA.

Example 3: Fusogenic molecules of this invention were surprisinglyactive for increasing the delivery activity of an active agent in cells.The activity of an agent delivered in a liposomal formulation containinga fusogenic molecule of this invention was greatly increased as comparedto activity of a liposomal formulation which did not contain a fusogenicmolecule of this invention.

In this example, the activity for gene expression knockdown of anexample siRNA targeted to HSP47 was surprisingly increased using aliposomal delivery formulation which included the presence of compoundR₄ of this invention.

The liposomal delivery formulation was prepared according to thefollowing protocol: HEDC(2-(bis(2-(tetradecanoyloxy)ethyl)amino)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2-oxoethan-aminiumbromide) and S104(((2-((2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)thio)acetyl)azanediyl)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)ditetradecanoate)were solubilized in absolute EtOH (200 proof) at a molar ratio of 1:1.The HSP47 siRNA was solubilized in 50 mM citrate buffer and thetemperature was adjusted to 35-40° C. The ethanol/lipid mixture was thenadded to the siRNA-containing buffer while stirring to spontaneouslyform siRNA loaded liposomes. Lipids were combined with siRNA to reach afinal total lipid to siRNA ratio of 5:1 to 15:1 (wt:wt). The siRNAloaded liposomes were diafiltered against 10× volumes of PBS (pH 7.2) toremove ethanol and exchange the buffer. Final product was filteredthrough 0.22 μm, sterilizing grade, PES filter for bioburden reduction.

In this example, the in vitro activity for gene expression knockdownusing an example siRNA in rat stellate cells was conducted in the samemanner as Example 1. The results are shown in FIG. 46. The liposomalformulation comprised lipids HEDC and S104, as well as the fusogeniccompound.

In FIG. 46, the results for a liposomal formulation comprised of lipidsHEDC and 5104, which did not contain the fusogenic compound isdesignated (1). The HSP47 gene expression knockdown for this controlformulation was substantial only at the highest concentration of 300 nm.

In FIG. 46, the results for a liposomal formulation comprised of lipidsHEDC and S104, which contained the fusogenic compound R4 is designated(2). Theamount of fusogenic compound R4 in this formulation was 2% ofthe total lipids. The HSP47 gene expression knockdown for thisformulation was greatly and surprisingly increased at all concentrationsof siRNA, as compared to the control formulation which did not containthe fusogenic compound R4. Thus, the presence of fusogenic compound R4in the formulation greatly increased the delivered activity of theexample siRNA, and the increased activity was directly attributable tothe presence of fusogenic compound R4.

In FIG. 46, the results for a liposomal formulation comprised of lipidsHEDC and S104, which contained the fusogenic compound R4 is designated(3). The amount of fusogenic compound R4 in this formulation was 10% ofthe total lipids. The HSP47 gene expression knockdown for thisformulation was greatly and surprisingly increased at all concentrationsof siRNA, as compared to the control formulation which did not containthe fusogenic compound R4. Thus, the presence of fusogenic compound R4in the formulation greatly increased the delivered activity of theexample siRNA, and the increased activity was directly attributable tothe presence of fusogenic compound R4.

As shown in FIG. 46, for liposomal delivery formulations comprisinglipids HEDC and S104 the activity for gene expression knockdown instellate cells of an example siRNA targeted to HSP47 was surprisinglyincreased in formulations containing from 2-10% (of total lipids) offusogenic compound R4.

Example 4: Fusogenic molecules of this invention provided surprisinglyincreased activity of an active nucleic acid agent in cells. Theactivity of a nucleic acid agent delivered in a liposomal formulationcontaining a fusogenic molecule of this invention was greatly increasedas compared to activity of a liposomal formulation which did not containa fusogenic molecule of this invention.

In this example, the in vitro activity for gene expression knockdownusing an example siRNA in rat stellate cells was conducted in a similarmanner as Example 1. The results are shown in FIG. 47. The liposomalformulation comprised lipids HEDC and S104, as well as the fusogeniccompound.

In FIG. 47, the results for a liposomal formulation comprised of lipidsHEDC and S104, which did not contain any fusogenic compound of thisinvention is designated (1). The HSP47 gene expression knockdown forthis control formulation was substantial only at the highestconcentration of 300 nm siRNA.

In FIG. 47, the results for a liposomal formulation comprised of lipidsHEDC and S104, which contained the fusogenic compound R4 is designated(2). The amount of fusogenic compound R4 in this formulation was 2% ofthe total lipids. The HSP47 gene expression knockdown for thisformulation was greatly and surprisingly increased at all concentrationsof siRNA, as compared to the control formulation which did not containthe fusogenic compound R4. Thus, the presence of fusogenic compound R4in the formulation greatly increased the delivered activity of theexample siRNA, and the increased activity was directly attributable tothe presence of fusogenic compound R4.

In FIG. 47, the results for a liposomal formulation comprised of lipidsHEDC and S104, which contained the fusogenic compound T3 is designated(3). The amount of fusogenic compound T3 in this formulation was 2% ofthe total lipids. The HSP47 gene expression knockdown for thisformulation was greatly and surprisingly increased at all concentrationsof siRNA, as compared to the control formulation which did not containthe fusogenic compound T3. Thus, the presence of fusogenic compound T3in the formulation greatly increased the delivered activity of theexample siRNA, and the increased activity was directly attributable tothe presence of fusogenic compound T3.

Example 5: Fusogenic molecules of this invention were active fordelivering one or more biologically active molecules in vitro. Forexample, the activity for gene expression knockdown using an siRNA(HSP47 siRNA, see Example 1) was surprisingly increased due to thepresence of a fusogenic compound of this invention in a liposomaldelivery formulation.

In this Example, liposomal delivery formulations were prepared forcomparative compounds, as well as fusogenic compound R_(4.) Theliposomal delivery formulations were prepared in the same manner as thatof Example 1, with the compositions shown in Table 6 (CH refers tocholesterol).

TABLE 6 Fusogenic liposomal formulations Final siRNA conc. No.Formulation Descr. Kind (nM) 1 HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE- bulk Control 2000PEG 2 HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE- bulk experi- 2000 PEG:R1 mental 3HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE- bulk experi- 2000 PEG:R2 mental 4HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DIVIPE- bulk experi- 2000 PEG:R3 mental 5HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DIVIPE- bulk experi- 2000 PEG:R4 mental 6HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DIVIPE- bulk experi- 2000 PEG:R5 mental 7HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DIVIPE- bulk experi- 2000 PEG:S1 mental 8HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE- bulk experi- 2000 PEG:S2 mental 9HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE- bulk experi- 2000 PEG:S3 mental 10HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE- bulk experi- 2000 PEG:S4 mental

As shown in FIG. 24, for the liposomal delivery formulations of Table 6,the activity for gene expression knockdown in stellate cells of anexample siRNA targeted to HSP47 was surprisingly increased informulations containing 2% (of total lipids) of a fusogenic compound R₄of this invention, as compared to the control formulation which did notcontain a fusogenic compound of this invention. The structure offusogenic compound R₄ of this invention provided surprising deliveryactivity for gene expression knockdown in stellate cells of an examplesiRNA.

Example 6: Fusogenic lipid molecules of this invention were active fordelivering one or more biologically active molecules in cells. In thisexample, liposomal delivery formulations containing an example siRNA(HSP47 siRNA, see Example 1), as well as a fusogenic compound of thisinvention provided activity for gene expression knockdown. In thisExample, as shown in Table 7, liposomal delivery formulations of thesiRNA were prepared containing various compounds T3 to T9 (No. 1 to No.7), each containing 2% (of total lipids) of a fusogenic compound of thisinvention. The liposomal delivery formulations were prepared in the samemanner as that of Example 1.

TABLE 7 Fusogenic liposomal formulations No. Formulation 1HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T4 2 HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T5 3HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T6 4 HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T7 5HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T8 6 HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T9 7HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T3

As shown in FIG. 25, in this measurement of the activity of siRNAliposomal delivery formulations of Table 7, the formulations providedhigh activity for gene expression knockdown in stellate cells. Thus,formulations containing 2% (of total lipids) of a fusogenic compound ofthis invention provided high activity of the siRNA targeted to HSP47.

Example 7: In vivo activity for fusogenic formulations. Fusogenicmolecules of this invention were useful for delivering an active agentin vivo. For example, liposomal delivery formulations for geneexpression knockdown using an example siRNA targeted to HSP47 wereactive due to the presence of a fusogenic compound of this invention.

As shown in FIG. 26, liposomal delivery formulations showed activity forgene expression knockdown in vivo (mice), using an siRNA targeted toHSP47. The formulations contained 2% (of total lipids) of the designatedfusogenic compound of this invention. The formulations were delivered byinfusion bolus. The parameters for the delivery are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Fusogenic liposomal formulations in vivo Group Conc. No.Formulation Dose (mg/ml) #1 Vehicle Saline 10 mpk@day 0-2 #2HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T4 0.5 mg/kg 0.17 #3HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T5 0.5 mg/kg 0.17 #4HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T6 0.5 mg/kg 0.17 #5HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T7 0.5 mg/kg 0.17 #6HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T8 0.5 mg/kg 0.17 #7HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T9 0.5 mg/kg 0.17 #8HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE-PEG:T3 0.5 mg/kg 0.17 #9 Sham saline

An example of a protocol for these results is as follows.

1.1. Animals

Eighty male Sprague-Dawley rats at ˜49 days of age were purchased fromCharles River Laboratories and delivered to the test facility. Theaverage weight of the animals upon receipt was about 200-210 grams. Theanimals were housed in standard caging systems with 2 animals per cageunder an alternating 12-hour light/dark cycle. The room temperature wasmaintained at 64-79° F. (18-26° C.) and humidity at 30-70%, with atleast 10 air changes per hour using 100% fresh air with nore-circulation. Animals were provided with an irradiated certifiedstandard fresh rodent chow and tap water ad-libitum.

Seventy-two animals were subjected to DMN treatment from Days 0-5 andthen randomly divided into 9 groups, 8 rats per group, based on theirbody weight so that there was no significant difference in the bodyweight among the groups prior to siRNA treatment. This was confirmedusing a one-way ANOVA analysis. As expected, these DMN-treated animalsshowed a significantly lower body weight than the naïve animals

1.2. DMN treatment

DMN was obtained from Wako (lot number DSP2369) and formulated forintraperitoneal (IP) injection in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) bydissolving the compound at 5 mg/mL. Seventy-two of the rats were doseddaily with DMN at 10 mg/kg in a dose volume of 2 mL/kg from Day 0through Day 2 and then 5 mg/kg in a dose volume of 1 mL/kg from Day 3through Day 5; eight animals, being not treated with DMN, were used asshams for this procedure. Animals were weighed daily and the DMN dosewas adjusted accordingly.

1.3. siRNA Treatment

On experimental Day 5, the animals were assigned to different treatmentgroups and dosed with an appropriate dosing regimen. Test articles wereused for treatment Groups 2 to 8 (#1 to #8), respectively; whereasanimals in Group 1 (#1) received only vehicle (saline) at 3 mL/kg bysingle intravenous injection into the lateral tail vein. Animals inGroup 9 (Naïve group, #9) got no treatment.

1.4. Euthanasia and Necropsy

On experimental Day 6, 24 hours post-treatment, the animals wereeuthanized via overdose inhalation of carbon dioxide. The liver wasimmediately flushed with PBS, pH 7.4 (40 mL at a rate of 20 mL/min)through the hepatic portal vein to remove residual blood andblood-associated formulation. One 2-mm thick transverse liver sectionwas collected from the left lateral lobe and immediately submerged in 2mL RNAlater in a microcentrifuge tube. Samples were stored at 4° C.until further processing for RNA isolation.

1.6. RNA Analysis

HSP47 mRNA abundance in the liver samples was evaluated. Total RNA wasextracted using RNeasy columns (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer'sinstructions. The RNA concentration for each sample was quantified usinga Nanodrop spectrophotometer and then diluted to 10 ng/μl usingnuclease-free water. For each PCR reaction, 20 ng of total RNA was used.In brief, total RNA from a section of left lobe of liver tissue will beextracted using RNeasy columns (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer'sinstructions. A Nanodrop spectrophotometer was used for RNAquantification. RNA was adjusted to 10 ng/μL with nuclease free water.Real-time PCR was performed on the ViiA7 system in a 96-well format.Each sample was measured in triplicate using the TaqMan Gene ExpressionMaster Mix. The cycling program was set as 48° C. for 15 min, 95° C. for10 min followed by 40 cycles at 95° C. for 15 sec and 60° C. for 1 min.The average cycle threshold value for housekeeping gene MRP119 was usedto normalize the raw cycle threshold data and ΔCt calculation. The ΔΔCtfor each Gene of Interest (GOI) was calculated by deducting the averageΔCt of GOI in the control sample from the ΔCt of each GOI in the targetsamples. Data for each animal was expressed both as percent of the meanvehicle treated group and as fold change from the naive group.Differences between siRNA treatment groups and vehicle-treated groupwere analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's multiplecomparisons post hoc test. For all analyses, a p-value less than 0.05was considered significant.

Example 8: Preparation of mRNA nanoparticle. Cationic lipids such asHEDC or HE2DC(2-(bis(2-(palmitoyloxy)ethyl)amino)-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-2-oxoethan-1-aminiumbromide), ionizable lipids such as S104, or TU104 Dlin((9Z,9′Z,12Z,12′Z)-((2-((2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)thio)acetyl)azanediyl)bis(ethane-2,1-diyl)bis(octadeca-9,12-dienoate)), and helper lipids cholesterol, DOPE weredissolved in ethanol. mRNA was dissolved in 50 mM Citrate buffer (pH3.5). Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were prepared by injecting anappropriate amount of an ethanolic solution of the lipids into Citratebuffer containing the mRNA, with the flow rate of 25 mL/min at 37° C.The molar percentage ratio for the LNP composition was 20% HEDC, 20%S104, 30% DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine) (AvantiPolar Lipid), 25% Cholesterol (Puriss grade) (Wilshire Technologies), 5%DMPE-Peg(1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethyleneglycol)-2000] (ammonium salt), and 2% of the fusogenic molecule of thisinvention, for example Compound T3.

High speed injection yielded high encapsulation of mRNA, as well ascontrolled particle size distribution. The mixed LNPs solution was thendiluted with 20 mM HEPES Buffer in 9% sucrose (w/v) in 1:1 ratio, whichreduced the ethanol content in the LNP solution from 35% to 17.5%. Thediluted LNP solution was transferred over to the tangential flowfiltration (TFF) process for ultrafiltration and diafiltration with 20mM HEPES Buffer in 9% sucrose (w/v). To remove ethanol from the LNPssolution, a total of 10 diafiltration volumes of HEPES Buffer in 9%sucrose was used. The concentrated LNP solution from the TFF wasaliquoted into centrifugal filter vials (EMD Millipore) for furtherconcentration, however, this step was required only for a small scalebatch. After final concentration, LNPs were filtered through 0.2 μmfilters. Encapsulation efficiency and mRNA yield was calculated by usingthe RiboGreen method.

Example 9: Transfection delivery of mRNA to cells in vitro. Transfectionof cells in vitro with mRNA was performed in three different cell lines:Hek-293, A549, and Lung fibroblast. JET MESSENGER (Polyplus TransfectionCompany) was used as a positive transfection control. GFP mRNA (TriLink)that was encapsulated in the LNP nanoparticles of this invention, ormixed with JET MESSENGER Control, was used to transfect the cells atdifferent concentrations. After 24, 48 and 72 hours of transfection,cells were viewed under a confocal microscope and the fluorescencegenerated from expressed GFP in cells was then detected and captured.GFP mRNA was well transfected into all three lines of cells with the LNPnanoparticles of this invention, and the mRNA was translated.

Example 10: Transfection delivery of mRNA to cells in vivo. mRNA wastransfected into tissues and cells in vivo with the LNP nanoparticles ofthis invention. Two different mRNA having different sizes, GFP mRNA andluciferase mRNA (TriLink), were delivered and transfected into Balb/cmice. In some luciferase mRNA delivery studies, the mRNA was alsodelivered using a Viromer in vivo mRNA transfection reagent as positivecontrol. The animals were intravenously given a single injection withthe mRNA encapsulated in the LNP nanoparticles of this invention, or inthe positive control particles at a dose of 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0 mg/kg. Micewere anesthetized 6-8 hours after mRNA injection, and whole bodyfluorescence for luciferase mRNA delivery studies was detected andanalyzed with an IVIS system. Animals xwere then sacrificed immediately,and different organs were harvested and saved under −80° C. untilfurther analysis. Delivery of the mRNA to various tissues and cells wasdetermined with a MAXDISCOVER GFP ELISA kit to analyze GFP protein levelin the tissues from the GFP mRNA delivery studies. For luciferase mRNAdelivery studies, tissues were homogenized in CCLR lysis buffer andcentrifuged. The resultant supernatants were used for luciferaseactivity assay using Promega E4510 assay reagents. Surprisingly, bothGFP mRNA and luciferase mRNA were predominantly transfected and/ortranslated in lung and spleen with much lower transfection and/ortranslation in other tissues.

Example 11: Transfection Delivery of mRNA to Cells In Vitro.

According to a method described in Examples 9 and 10 above, GFP mRNA(CleanCap EGFP mRNA, 5 moU) was transfected into A549 cells in vitrowith the LNP nanoparticles of this invention having the compositionHEDC:S104:CH:DOPE:DMPE-PEG2000:Compound T3. Results after 48 hrs oftransfection are shown in FIG. 48. Cells were viewed under a confocalmicroscope and the fluorescence generated from expressed GFP in cellswas detected. The results showed that GFP mRNA was transfected andtranslated in A549 cells.

Example 12: Transfection delivery of mRNA to cells in vivo. According toa method described in Examples 9 and 10 above, GFP mRNA (CleanCap EGFPmRNA, 5 moU) was transfected into Balb/c mice with the LNP nanoparticlesof this invention having the compositionHEDC:S104:CH:DOPE:DMPE-PEG2000:Compound T3, as shown in Table 9:

TABLE 9 In vivo transfection in Balb/c mice Animal Group NumberTreatment Dosage Endpoint 1 4 iv, QD 1 mpk 8 hour after treatment, 2 4iv, QD 4 mpk IVIS imaging, 3 3 N/A N/A Tissues (Muscle, Liver, Heart,Lung and kidney) collection, measure GFP protein by ELISA

As shown in FIG. 49, delivery of the mRNA to various tissues and cellswas determined with a MAXDISCOVER GFP ELISA. Surprisingly, GFP mRNA wasselectively transfected and/or translated in lung, with lowertransfection and/or translation in muscle, liver, heart, and kidney.

Example 13: Transfection delivery of mRNA to cells in vivo. According toa method described in Examples 9 and 10 above, Luciferase mRNA (FlucmRNA (5meC)) was transfected into Balb/c mice with the LNP nanoparticlesof this invention having the compositionHEDC:S104:CH:DOPE:DMPE-PEG2000:Compound T3, as shown in Table 10:

TABLE 10 In vivo transfection in Balb/c mice Animal Group Number Dosageendpoint 1 3 IVIS imaging 2 3 1 mpk (20 ug/each) Tissue luciferase 3 3 2mpk (40 ug/each) analysis 4 1 10 ug 5 1 30 ug 6 3 40 ug

As shown in FIG. 50, the relative delivery, transfection, and/ortranslation of the mRNA in various tissues and cells was determined witha Promega E4510 assay kit. Surprisingly, Fluc mRNA was selectivelydelivered, transfected, and/or translated in lung and spleen, with lowerdelivery, transfection, and/or translation in liver, heart, kidney, andmuscle.

Example 14: Transfection delivery of mRNA to cells in vivo. According toa method described in Examples 9 and 10 above, Luciferase mRNA (FlucmRNA (5meC)) was transfected into Balb/c mice with the LNP nanoparticlesof this invention having the composition: (−01)HE2DC:S104:CH:DOPE:DMPE-PEG2000:Compound T3, or (−02)HEDC:S104:CH:DOPE:DMPE-PEG2000:Compound T3, injected at 2 mpk, withluminescence imaging 7 hours after injection.

As shown in FIG. 51, the relative delivery, transfection, and/ortranslation of the mRNA in various tissues and cells was determined witha Promega E4510 assay. Surprisingly, Fluc mRNA was selectivelydelivered, transfected, and/or translated in lung and spleen, with lowerdelivery, transfection, and/or translation in pancreas, kidney, liver,testis, and small intestine.

As shown in FIG. 52, the relative delivery, transfection, and/ortranslation of the mRNA in various tissues was determined withluminescence imaging 7 hours after injection. In FIG. 52, a set ofphotographs in upper row indicates Balb/c mice transfected with the LNPnanoparticles of the (−01). A set of photographs in lower row indicatesBalb/c mice transfected with the LNP nanoparticles of the (−02).

Example 15: Delivery of mRNA to cells in vivo with fusogenic compounds.The fusogenic compounds of this invention greatly enhance delivery ofactive agents to cells, organs and tissues in vivo.

In this example, formulations for delivery of an mRNA in vivo wereprepared with a fusogenic compound T3 and compared to the sameformulation without the fusogenic compound, as shown in Table 11.

TABLE 11 In vivo mouse delivery formulations PS EE mRNA Formulation nmPDI % 2035-03-03 HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE- 81 0.10 93 PEG2K:Compound T3(20:20:30:25:5:5) 2035-13-01 HEDC:S104:DOPE:CH:DMPE- 83 0.148 78 PEG2K(20:20:30:25:5)

FIG. 53 shows results for delivery of Luciferase mRNA in vivo mouseusing fusogenic lipid-like molecules of this invention. As shown in FIG.53, the relative delivery of mRNA was far greater in formulationscontaining the fusogenic molecule of this invention (2035-03-03) thanfor the same formulation without the fusogenic molecule (2035-13-01). Inall organs observed, including pancreas, spleen, liver, kidney, lung,testis, and intestine, the delivery was advantageously and surprisinglyhigher for the formulation containing fusogenic compound T3.

The embodiments described herein are not limiting and one skilled in theart can readily appreciate that specific combinations of themodifications described herein can be tested without undueexperimentation toward identifying nucleic acid molecules with improvedRNAi activity.

All publications, patents and literature specifically mentioned hereinare incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

It is understood that this invention is not limited to the particularmethodology, protocols, materials, and reagents described, as these mayvary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is notintended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art that varying substitutions andmodifications can be made to the description disclosed herein withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the description, and that thoseembodiments are within the scope of this description and the appendedclaims.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. As well, the terms “a” (or “an”),“one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Itis also to be noted that the terms “comprises,” “comprising”,“containing,” “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably, andshall be read expansively and without limitation.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and eachseparate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. For Markush groups, those skilled in theart will recognize that this description includes the individualmembers, as well as subgroups of the members of the Markush group.

A compound, molecule or composition of this invention may have an ionicform for which the corresponding counterion or counterions are notshown. A person of skill in the art will immediately understand that thecounterion or counterions will exist as necessary. Examples ofcounterions include alkali metal ions, Cl⁻, and pharmaceuticallyacceptable counterions.

For example, when a list of examples or components is given, such as alist of compounds, molecules or compositions suitable for thisinvention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that mixturesof the listed compounds, molecules or compositions may also be suitable.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the artcan, based on the above description, utilize the present invention toits fullest extent. The following specific embodiments are, therefore,to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of theremainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

All of the features disclosed in this specification may be combined inany combination. Each feature disclosed in this specification may bereplaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, orsimilar purpose.

Drawings in the appended claims are adjusted to fit on the page, and theappearance of molecules in drawings does not necessarily reflect anysignificant shape or properties of the compound depicted.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fusogenic compound having Formula VII

wherein each amphiphile independently comprises one to two lipophilicchains, wherein the lipophilic chains each independently comprise 8 to22 carbon atoms; wherein each AAa is independently an amino acidcomprising a side chain having a carboxyl group, wherein the amino acidis attached to an amphiphile at each of its carboxyl groups and isattached to the linker at its N terminus; wherein linker has thestructure

wherein Q¹ is branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkandiyl, branched orunbranched C(2-8)alkenediyl, branched or unbranched C(2-8)alkynediyl, or

wherein Q² is

wherein Q³ is

wherein X is —O—, —S—, or —NH—; n and p are independently for eachoccurrence 1 to 3; m is independently 1 to 10; r and s are independentlyfor each occurrence 1 to
 5. 2. The fusogenic compound of claim 1,wherein AA^(a) is selected from the following structures, and anystereoisomer thereof:


3. The fusogenic compound of claim 1, wherein one or two of theamphiphiles are absent and replaced by an alkyl group, or apharmaceutically acceptable organic chemical group having 1-400 atomsselected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, fluorine, and hydrogen.4. The fusogenic compound of claim 3, wherein the pharmaceuticallyacceptable organic chemical group is selected from alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl, alkyl ether, aryl ether, alkoxy, and alkoxyakoxy.
 5. Thefusogenic compound of claim 3, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptableorganic chemical group is selected from methoxy, ethoxy, t-butyl ether,and benzyl oxy.
 6. The fusogenic compound of claim 1, wherein one ormore of the amphiphiles have the structure shown in Formula VIII

wherein R¹ and R² areR¹═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)NH(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)OR⁴,CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)NHR⁴R²═CH₂(CH₂)_(m)O(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)NH(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)OR⁵,CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)NH R⁵ wherein n and m are each independently from 1 to2; R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkylgroup, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group.
 7. The fusogenic compound of claim1, wherein one or more of the amphiphiles have the structure shown inFormula IX

wherein R¹ and R² areR¹═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)NH(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)OR⁴,CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)NHR⁴R²═CH₂(CH₂)_(m)O(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)NH(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)OR⁵,CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)NH R⁵ wherein n and m are each independently from 1 to2; R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkylgroup, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group; wherein R³ is selected from branchedor unbranched C(1-8)alkandiyl, substituted or unsubstitutedC(2-8)alkendiyl, substituted or unsubstituted C(2-8)alkyndiyl,substituted or unsubstituted C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl, substituted orunsubstituted arylene, substituted or unsubstituted C(4-8)heteroarylene,and substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkandiyl; wherein R³ isoptionally interrupted by one or more of —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —NH—,—NR⁶—, —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—, wherein R⁶ is C(1-6)alkyl-, C(1-6)alkoxy-,or C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.
 8. The fusogenic compound of claim 7,wherein R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(14-18) alkylgroup, or a C(14-18) alkenyl group.
 9. The fusogenic compound of claim7, wherein the compound is compound T9:


10. The fusogenic compound of claim 1, wherein one or more of theamphiphiles have the structure shown in Formula X

wherein R¹ and R² areR¹═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)NH(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)OR⁴,CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)NHR⁴R²═CH₂(CH₂)_(m)O(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)NH(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)OR⁵,CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)NH R⁵ R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence aC(12-20) alkyl group, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group; wherein R³ is absentor selected from branched or unbranched *—NH—C(1-8)alkandiyl-(C═O)—,substituted or unsubstituted *—NH—C(2-8)alkendiyl-(C═O)—, substituted orunsubstituted *—NH—C(2-8)alkyndiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH—C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH-arylene-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH—C(4-8)heteroarylene-(C═O)—, and substituted or unsubstituted*—NH-heterocycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, wherein * indicates the terminusattached to AA^(a); wherein R³ is optionally interrupted by one or moreof —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —NH—, —NR⁶—, —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—, wherein R⁶is C(1-6)alkyl-, C(1-6)alkoxy-, or C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.
 11. Thefusogenic compound of claim 1, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula XI

wherein R¹ and R² areR¹═(C═O)OR⁴, (C═O)NHR⁴, O(C═O)R⁴, (C═O)R⁴R²═(C═O)OR⁵, (C═O)NHR⁵, O(C═O) R⁵, NH(C═O)R⁵ R⁴ and R⁵ are independentlyfor each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl group, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group;wherein R³ is absent or selected from branched or unbranched*—NH—C(1-8)alkandiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH—C(2-8)alkendiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH—C(2-8)alkyndiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH—C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH-arylene-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH—C(4-8)heteroarylene-(C═O)—, and substituted or unsubstituted*—NH-heterocycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, wherein * indicates the terminusattached to AA^(a); wherein R³ is optionally interrupted by one or moreof —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —NH—, —NR⁶—, —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—, wherein R⁶is C(1-6)alkyl-, C(1-6)alkoxy-, or C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.
 12. Thefusogenic compound of claim 1, wherein one or more of the amphiphileshave the structure shown in Formula III

wherein R¹ and R² areR¹═CH₂(CH₂)_(n)O(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)NH(C═O)R⁴, CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)OR⁴,CH₂(CH₂)_(n)(C═O)NHR⁴R²═CH₂(CH₂)_(m)O(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)NH(C═O)R⁵, CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)OR⁵,CH₂(CH₂)_(m)(C═O)NH R⁵ wherein n and m are each independently from 1 to2; and R⁴ and R⁵ are independently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkylgroup, or a C(12-20) alkenyl group; wherein R³ is selected from—(C═O)-alkyl-NH—, which is attached to AA^(a); —(C═O)-alkenyl-NH—, whichis attached to AA^(a); —(C═O)-alkynyl-NH—, which is attached to AA^(a);wherein any alkyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(1-6)alkyl, anyalkenyl of R³ is branched or unbranched C(2-6)alkenyl, and any alkynylof R³ is branched or unbranched C(2-6)alkynyl;

and positional isomers thereof;

wherein each R⁶ is independently selected from H, alkyl, alkoxy, andalkoxyalkoxy, with the proviso that one R⁶ is —(C═O)-alkyl-NH—which NHis attached to AA^(a); each R⁸ is independently selected from H, alkyl,with the proviso that one R⁸ is —(C═O)— alkyl-H—which NH is attached toAA^(a); q is from zero to four; Q is O or N.
 13. The fusogenic compoundof claim 1, wherein one or more of the amphiphiles have the structureshown in Formula V

wherein R¹ and R² are R¹═(C═O)OR⁴, (C═O)NHR⁴, O(C═O)R⁴, NH(C═O)R⁴R²═(C═O)OR⁵, (C═O)NHR⁵, O(C═O) R⁵, NH(C═O)R⁵ wherein R⁴ and R⁵ areindependently for each occurrence a C(12-20) alkyl group, or a C(12-20)alkenyl group; wherein wherein R³ is absent or selected from branched orunbranched *—NH—C(1-8)alkandiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH—C(2-8)alkendiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH—C(2-8)alkyndiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH—C(3-8)cycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH-arylene-(C═O)—, substituted or unsubstituted*—NH—C(4-8)heteroarylene-(C═O)—, and substituted or unsubstituted*—NH-heterocycloalkandiyl-(C═O)—, wherein * indicates the terminusattached to AA^(a); wherein R³ is optionally interrupted by one or moreof —O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO₂—, —NH—, —NR⁶—, —NH(C═O)—, —O(C═O)—, wherein R⁶is C(1-6)alkyl-, C(1-6)alkoxy-, or C(1-6)alkoxy-C(1-6)alkoxy-.
 14. Acomposition comprising the fusogenic compound of claim 1 and apharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 15. The composition of claim 14,wherein the composition comprises nanoparticles or liposomes.
 16. Apharmaceutical composition comprising the fusogenic compound of claim 1,an active agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 17. Thecomposition of claim 16, wherein the fusogenic compound is from 0.01 mol% to 20 mol % of the lipids of the composition.
 18. The composition ofclaim 16, wherein the composition comprises nanoparticles or liposomes.19. The composition of claim 16, wherein the active agent is one or morenucleic acids.
 20. The composition of claim 16, wherein the active agentis one or more DNAs, RNAs, mRNAs, siRNAs, or microRNAs.
 21. Thecomposition of claim 16, wherein the active agent is one or more RNAmolecules.
 22. The composition of claim 16, wherein the active agent isselected from one or more RNAi molecules, one or more mRNA molecules,and modified forms thereof.
 23. A composition for use in distributing anactive agent for treating a condition or disease in a subject, thecomposition comprising the active agent, a fusogenic compound of claim1, an ionizable lipid, a structural lipid, a stabilizer lipid, and alipid for reducing immunogenicity of the composition.
 24. Thecomposition of claim 23, wherein the active agent is one or more nucleicacids.
 25. A method for preventing, ameliorating or treating a diseaseor condition in a subject in need comprising administering to thesubject the composition of claim
 14. 26. The composition according toclaim 14 for use in the treatment of the human or animal body.